Search results for: “microsoft”

Microsoft Is Developing An xCloud Console To Take On Google Stadia

Initial rumours had claimed that Microsoft will take a new direction with its Xbox gaming consoles. Its latest generation of the console was speculated to arrive in two variants with one being beefier and higher spec than the other. That fell through after Microsoft’s E3 2019 keynote that did not feature a separate tag for a second console. A brand new report now claims that the weaker console was scrapped for an xCloud based console.

The new report may give both Sony and Google a run for their money. Sony’s PlayStation Now and PlayStation 5 and Google’s Stadia might have to rethink strategies and prices after the launch of both Microsoft consoles. Project Scarlett will be the flagship console of this generation from the company while an xCloud exclusive gaming console will be sold separately. The concept is similar to Stadia controllers which directly connects to users routers.

It seems that Microsoft is renewing its intent for a sister console according to the fresh report. An xCloud console is apparently in the works. Project xCloud is Microsoft’s proprietary take on the cloud game streaming service. The new service blew up on social media after Google had announced Stadia for the first time. It brought the existing cloud gaming service to mainstream media. The upcoming console will be a low powered machine as most of the computing hassles are taken care of by Microsoft’s own servers. It will be designed to give a low power and low latency experience designed specifically for a better gaming experience on the xCloud.

Also Read: Xiaomi Develops A Periscope Camera Module, May Debut With Mi Mix 4

The new xCloud console could possibly sell for anywhere between the bracket of $60 to $100, not including the monthly subscription. It is a step away from the reduced graphics and performance variant of Project Scarlett. The console will be a bit more than a basic set-top box like Apple TV but will connect to an Xbox controller directly to xCloud for gaming. Finer details are still unavailable but more updates are expected to arrive soon.

July 8, 2019
Microsoft Working On A Foldable Surface Device That Runs Android Apps

American technology behemoth Microsoft launched devices under its Surface brand starting the year 2012. The company has launched a slew of laptops, tablets under the brand and has been long rumoured to be working on a foldable Surface device. While the device has been confirmed to be in development, no other details about it were known. Now, a report claims that Microsoft is planning to launch a compact foldable Surface mobile device in the first half of next year.

Microsoft Foldable Surface

As mentioned above, Microsoft may be planning to launch a foldable Surface device next year. While it is not confirmed precisely when the announcement will take place; the source claims it may be as early as the first quarter of the year 2020 or by the first half of the year. It has been revealed that the device will have two 9 inch displays with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Interestingly, other Microsoft Surface products such as the Surface Laptops or the Surface Book use a 3:2 aspect ratio on their displays.

Other details about the upcoming foldable Microsoft Surface as claimed in the report; are that it will use a new version of the Windows 10 operating system. This has been rumoured to be called the Windows Core OS (WCOS) and will be able to natively support the dual display user interface. It may also adopt the 10nm SoC by Intel which will be called Lakefield.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy Note 10 To Retain 3.5 MM Jack Claims Report

In a surprising move, it has also been claimed that the Microsoft Surface foldable will also be able to run Android apps and Apple’s iCloud service. As it is a mobile device, it may feature LTE or 5G for always-on connectivity to the internet. Unfortunately, more information like the pricing is not available as of now but is expected to be revealed as we move closer to the launch date.

June 24, 2019
Apple And Microsoft Plan An iCloud App For Windows 10

The American tech giants, Apple and Microsoft, are reportedly working in conjunction with one another for an iCloud app on Windows 10. While iCloud has been available on Microsoft’s platform for a while now, the cloud storage service will feature a sync capability based on tech similar to OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature. This refreshed version of the Apple app is currently available in Microsoft’s Store and is free to download for everyone.

The iCloud app will now be able to access files on the cloud without ever needing full sync to the PC, this will potentially save disk space. The app will take pre-emptive measures by downloading placeholders of files. The contents of these files will be downloaded when it is marked for sync or fully accessed by the user. iCloud can also integrate seamlessly into Windows 10 File Explorer, offering separate files for applications like Keynote, Numbers and Pages.

Users can access documents stored on the iCloud Drive, images taken from iCloud Photos, Mail, Calendar, Reminders, Contacts, and Safari bookmarks. Apple and Microsoft are business competitors hence, it is a rare occurrence for both companies to work together, especially for a Windows 10 software. Notably, Apple has also been using Microsoft’s latest Windows API for better cloud storage sync-ing capabilities for its proprietary online data storage solution.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S9 & S9+ Cameras Receive Night Mode With Latest Update

This collaboration arrives as a pleasant surprise to the tech industry, where competition in businesses goes neck-in-neck. Although these kinds of united work is always a welcomed sight. Previous iterations of iCloud for Windows had its fair share of criticism, so any pro-consumer practice only benefits either of the companies user bases. The new app should improve the overall user experience by fixing on a lot of the mistakes that were made in the past.

June 12, 2019
Microsoft Xbox 2020 Leaked To Arrive In Two Variants

Shortly after Project Scarlett was announced at the E3 Gaming Convention 2019, leaks and rumours have shrouded Microsoft’s upcoming gaming console in mystery. The next iteration of the Xbox is expected to define a new era in console gaming. For instance, it is speculated that the upcoming Xbox will support 8K gaming, 120 fps and ray tracing technology. Microsoft has named it Project Scarlett, and more information regarding the gaming console is expected to be available soon. However, a user on social media website Reddit has revealed some key information regarding the upcoming Xbox.

The leaks state that the next generation gaming console will officially be named the Xbox V. Furthermore, the company will announce not one, but two consoles and the specced-up variant of the Xbox V will be called the Xbox VX. Where the toned down variant of Microsoft’s gaming console is speculated to be priced at US$ 400 (~INR 27,800), the Xbox VX will most likely be priced at US$ 500 (~INR 34,800).

The Xbox V will not include a disk drive, which explains the lower pricing of the same. Additionally, the console will also compromise on some other hardware specifications, implying that Microsoft wants to take on the cheaper variant of Sony’s PlayStation 5 when it will be announced. On the other hand, the more powerful Xbox VX will feature an inbuilt disk drive, 4K support, and a Blu-Ray reader. Both variants of the Xbox will have 1TB of internal storage by default. The 2TB variant of both consoles will be priced at US$ 100 more than the price of the base variants.

Also Read: AMD Ryzen 9 3950X And Radeon RX 5700XT Leaked

The leak source further states that Microsoft has some exclusive game titles that are lined up for a later release. However, the American company may not unveil any information regarding the games anytime soon since it is more focused on strengthening its current lineup of games. Lastly, the speculated Xbox V and Xbox VX are expected to be released in the month of November 2020. Going by the leaks, the project was named Scarlet but infact the code names of both the consoles are “Lockhart” and “Anaconda”. Note that the information mentioned above is solely based on a leak, so it’s wise that it should be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, a clash of the consoles is apparent in 2020, so interested fans might just have to wait.

June 11, 2019
Microsoft Xbox Project Scarlett Detailed

At the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo or E3 as it is generally called; American technology giant Microsoft has revealed key details about its next-generation Xbox gaming console. Codenamed Project Scarlett, the device will be the successor to the Xbox One X gaming console released in the year 2017. It will also go head to head with the upcoming PlayStation by Sony, details of which were released a while ago. The details about the new Xbox were unveiled via a video shared by the company.

Microsoft Project Scarlett

As mentioned above, the newest generation Xbox or Project Scarlett will be Microsoft’s flagship gaming console. This insinuates that a smaller device, likely to be a successor to the Xbox One S might also be released with Project Scarlett. According to the company, the upcoming device will have a custom designed CPU; based on the Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA architecture by AMD. Microsoft claims it will be up to four times more powerful than the Xbox One X, which is still the most powerful gaming console on the market. To improve the resolution and framerates while gaming, the console will use the latest GDDR6 RAM.

Also read: Nokia Reportedly Plans On Releasing Two 5G Smartphones In Q3 Of 2019

The upcoming Project Scarlett gaming console will also have support for 8K gaming, with framerates up to 120fps in games. Like the upcoming PlayStation 5, it will also feature ray tracing and have a variable refresh rate support. The upcoming device from Microsoft will also use an SSD as virtual RAM which is touted to reduce game load times and increased speeds. According to the company, all the aforementioned upgrades will increase performance by 40x over the current generation. While Microsoft has not announced a particular launch date for the Project Scarlet gaming console; but it has revealed the device will launch in the second half of 2020. For the beginning, the gaming title Halo: Infinite has been exhibited to be available for the console at launch.

June 10, 2019
Microsoft Takes Down Online Facial Recognition Database Over Accusations

As a consequence to yet another accusation, American technology giant Microsoft quietly removed an online database that contained a whopping 10 million images of almost 1,00,000 people. As per reports, the images were derived from a multitude of search engines and were published in a dataset called MS Celeb in the year 2016. Accusations stated that many people in the dataset were not aware that their images were being used and that their consent wasn’t asked for while capturing the images.

The images in the Microsoft dataset were being used to train AI based facial recognition systems around the world. For instance, Chinese firms SenseTime and Megvii were using the images in the set to develop their software. Moreover, military researchers were also making use of the images to train recognition-based applications. The same dataset was previously used in an AI project to identify various celebrities. Sources state that the database has been directly linked to China’s efforts to crack down on ethnic minorities in the country.

The images of people included in Microsoft’s database were scraped from the web under the Creative Commons License. As per the License, people can academically reuse the images, provided that permission has been granted by the copyright holder of the image, not the subject of the image. Previously, in April 2019, the Chinese government used facial recognition software to keep tabs on 11 million Uighurs (Muslim Minority).

Also Read: NASA Opens Commercial Opportunities For The International Space Station

This may be an alarming wake-up call for conglomerates in the light of the fact that consent is absolutely compulsory. If a check is not kept on the method which is being implemented to capture facial-recognition data, the same data can be used in unethical ways. Law enforcement agencies these days rely heavily on technology to ease investigations, but any software isn’t without its flaws. Further developments will expectedly shine more light on the case, but as of now, Microsoft has not stated anything regarding the matter.

June 8, 2019
Microsoft Renames The Windows 10 Xbox App To Xbox Console Companion

Microsoft has always had its gaming console companion app pre-installed on every Windows 10 supported device. This was done in order to bridge the social gap between its PC and console gaming fans. In the latest Windows update, the company renamed its Xbox App to Xbox Console Companion. This update is a refresh right before the upcoming ‘new desktop experience’ by the company. Apart from the name, no functional changes have been made to the Windows application.

However, Microsoft has planned updates in the future that will lead to the revamp of the dashboard setup in the app. Furthermore, these changes will be made for an unannounced Xbox console settings menu. The future iterations may also team up with the launch of Microsoft’s xCloud, the online gaming and streaming service. It will also allow cross-platform game streaming amongst the user’s devices. However, no significant changes are mirrored in the Xbox apps for Android and iOS as of now.

When users will update the Microsoft store, they will receive a pop-up message from the company. The message will start with, “Pardon our dust.” and go on to describe the reason for the new name of the application. Xbox Console Companion receives a new icon and will be dedicated for Xbox users. An up-to-date version of Windows (10th May 2019 Build) is required to experience the new feature as promised by Microsoft.

The original Xbox app is made for managing games installed on the Windows 10 PC. It also provides a simple catalogue for users to browse games in Microsoft Store, or manage the Xbox Live profiles. The app has in-built functions like social chat. This allows for cross-platform chat with friends and participation in communities, sharing in-game achievements and tracking them, managing video clips and capturing screenshots. The latter two of the features were made possible to the users via the console’s DVR feature which also makes game streaming possible via an Xbox console to a Windows 10 PC.

Microsoft will hold a press conference at the gaming expo E3 2019 on June 9th. This event should unveil more details regarding the promised desktop experience and xCloud. The game streaming service will begin its trials in the latter half of the year 2019, as previously claimed by Microsoft. The rebranding of the desktop apps name after the overhaul of Windows 10 Game Bar lays the foundation for the future console’s framework. The Game Bar is now equipped with PC resource monitors, customizable widgets, and broadcast/game capture controls.

Also Read: Google Maps Will Now Provide Info on Trains and Buses In India

With social media now integrated directly with the GameBar, users will be able to access cross-platform voice and text chat. This feature is synchronized across Xbox devices, as well as multiplayer team management. Additionally, Spotify music controls can also be a part of Microsoft future plans to enhance user experience during gaming. The aforementioned features although, might be removed from the now repurposed Xbox Console Companion App.

June 5, 2019
Microsoft Teases A New Dual-Screen Surface Device

Sources have uncovered that Microsoft has showcased a new dual-screen Surface device within the company. The device was demonstrated to the team working on the new 2 in 1 with the help of a video reel showcasing the new Microsoft Surface with dual-screen prototype hardware.

Codenamed Centaurus, Microsoft has been hard at work regarding the upcoming dual-screen device for about 2 years now. Microsoft Surface is set to pave the way for a new breed of dual-screen tablet and laptop hybrids with its unique new designs. The company had also had plans for a smaller pocketable Surface variant, code-named Andromeda, that had its development halted for Centaurus. The dual-screen laptop prototype (Centaurus) was first heard of in December 2018 with similarities drawing it closer to Microsoft’s Courier tablet concept.

The Surface team at Microsoft demonstrated the hardware, long before any official announcements, showcasing various dual-screen prototypes for it. Centaurus being openly shown to the employees does point at the possibility of the development stages reaching its final cycles with estimates putting the release by year-end or early 2020.

Microsoft’s Centaurus (latest version of Surface) will also be receiving the Microsoft Windows Lite version, making it one of the first devices to run on the Operating System. Windows Lite is a new slimmed down version of Windows for dual-screen devices and Chromebook competitors. Intel’s new stance on ultrabooks and push towards dual-screened devices with more added functionality and productive uses much like the Lenovo Yoga Book C930 is expected to popularise the idea of a dual display device.

Also Read: Xiaomi To Launch The Redmi K20, K20 Pro In India Within The Next Six Weeks

Microsoft besides the Centaurus has also showcased the fully functional xCloud, the cloud game streaming platform. More details on the online gaming platform will come on E3 2019 on the 8th of June. The company pitches the cloud gaming service, not as a replacement for Xbox consoles but rather a way to resume the games users were playing on any device, with these upcoming light and portable dual-screened devices.

June 3, 2019
Microsoft Teases A New Operating System With AI Integration

Amidst major announcements in Computex 2019, Microsoft let a teaser out for its future plans on the software front. The long-awaited lite version of Windows OS (for the likes of Chromebooks) may or may not be included in the definition of Microsoft’s “modern” operating system.

This modern OS as stated by Microsoft is not just a software version and rather it is a benchmark that would define the future of operating systems. With the functionality of the OS at its essence, the ‘seamless’ word was used quite a lot by Microsoft on stage and seamless updates being at the centre of it. Windows updates have improved exponentially over the years as promised by Microsoft but the company is not stopping there. It is now seeking to make the entire process occur in the background, never requiring the user to actively check for updates.

Current iterations of Windows OS handle software updates very differently, with comments pointing towards the similarities in relation to Chrome OS. The ‘modern OS’ is also supposed to be highly secure from the ground up. “The state is separated from the operating system; compute is separated from the applications.” This line by Microsoft’s Spokesperson points towards cloud computing at a level the industry has not yet been comfortable with but is a step towards the future which the company has kept in mind. “Sustained performance” as Microsoft puts it that is “always connected” to have zero interruptions. Sharing the workload with cloud solutions online to enhance user experience on devices.

All of these “enablers’ will be supplemented by an AI. In other words prediction based algorithm to get end results faster for the User. Microsoft there on goes to mention other sci-fi, futuristic but not far-fetched input methods such as voice, touch, and gaze, apart from the conventional mouse and keyboard combo. All this in a light form factor that adds to the mobility of the machine on which the OS is loaded.

Also Read: New MediaTek SoC Is All Set To Bring 5G Network On Budget Devices

No finer details have been revealed as of yet. All that anyone has to go on is the teaser dropped today. The concept may still seem far away but more concrete information should soon follow in the coming months either through official channels or in the form of leaks and rumours.

May 29, 2019
Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse Receives A Makeover

American technology giant, Microsoft was reportedly the first company to introduce a scroll wheel in computer mice. The company also launched the revolutionary IntelliMouse back in the year 1996, with its highlighting feature being the aforementioned one-of-a-kind scroll wheel. Even though the original IntelliMouse is a bit outdated for modern usage, the mouse is an iconic mark in the history of peripherals. However, it seems that the organization plans to bring the mouse back to life since it launched the upgraded version of the same in the form of a gaming mouse

First announced in China in late 2018, the revamped IntelliMouse features a similar design to the original IntelliMouse, with dashes of design and hardware upgrades that classify it as a gaming mouse. The sensor included in the 2017 variant of the Intellimouse has been upgraded to track up to 10,160 mm per second. It also supports up to 16,000 DPI and a 12,000 fps refresh rate for smoother response times. The company claims that the redesigned Pro IntelliMouse has an improved key actuation (the button travel distance before the click is registered), which will enable users to use the mouse with reduced pressure application.

Also Read: Apple WWDC 2019, Launches, What To Expect

In terms of design, the mouse has been kitted with an RGB taillight that can be customized by the user. Alongside a braided cable for durability, a textured finish has been introduced to the IntelliMouse, which previously had a glossy finish. Using Microsoft’s mouse and keyboard software, the additional side buttons can be customized as per requirements. The mouse weighs 140 grams and is USB 2.0 full speed compatible. It is priced at US$ 59.99 (Rs. 4,200), whereas the older 2017 classic IntelliMouse is priced at US$ 39.99 (Rs. 2,800).

May 28, 2019
Microsoft Xbox One S Fortnite Edition Leaked In Images Ahead Of Official Announcement

Microsoft is all set to launch a Fortnite special edition version of its Xbox gaming console. Latest leaks by a tipster on Twitter has revealed the images of the limited edition device. The American technology giant seems to be encashing the current Battle Royale mania by teaming up with Epic Games and launching a Fortnite themed Xbox One S.

Microsoft Xbox One S Fortnite Edition

Apart from key visual changes, the basic design of the Xbox One S Fortnite Edition remains the same as the regular version. Instead of the purple and black colour scheme on the existing variant of the console, the limited edition will be available in a purple and black paint scheme. The images showcase a gradient finish on the console which matches the basic colour scheme of the battle royale game Fortnite. Apart from the console, the controller of the device has also been given a design overhaul. The buttons on the Xbox controller feature purple accents; while the colour corresponding to them has been shifted in the centre. Apart from the aforementioned design changes, the Xbox One S Fortnite Edition looks like the regular variant.

Also read: Facebook To Launch Its Cryptocurrency Named Globalcoin Soon

On the inside, the Microsoft Xbox One S Fortnite Limited Edition is believed to be bundled with the new Dark Vertex skin in Fortnite; users will also be provided with 2000 V-bucks which is the game’s currency. It may also include a month of Xbox Live Gold, EA’s Access service and the Xbox Game Pass. While the pricing and launch date of the gaming console has not been announced yet; it may be launched at Microsoft’s E3 event on June 9 with an expected price tag of EUR 299 (INR 23,200). The company may also discuss its XCloud service and the next iteration of the gaming console at the event.

May 25, 2019
Microsoft And Sony Join Hands For Cloud Gaming Service

Microsoft has yet to give out any set specifications or details regarding its new cloud gaming service, xCloud. The software developing company has been testing the service with its employees as of late, letting them stream Xbox games anywhere. Microsoft is currently in the process of setting up multiple servers required for xCloud across the world.

The company revealed today that the service is capable of streaming more than 3500 game titles all without ever needing their respective developers to make any optimisations. Capcom and Paradox are one of the game developers that are testing their games on xCloud. Microsoft has confirmed that it has sent Project xCloud to data centres encompassing 13 Azure regions, focusing on a few key locations in the world, not just the US, for its launch. The public trials are set to start later this year.

The service has prompted many game developers to tweak their games for smaller displays in compact devices (namely text sizes and fonts) and to add the ability to host multiplayer games. More information on xCloud is claimed to go public at E3 2019 in the following month. The service will face Google’s Stadia and Sony’s PlayStation Now head on. Interestingly enough, Sony is working in conjunction with Microsoft for future cloud game streaming services.

Microsoft and Sony in a groundbreaking new move shook hands for collaboration, something that the gaming community thought was impossible. The companies would still operate separate services for their respective Xbox and PlayStation customers, but Sony has reached out to Microsoft for their Azure Services. Sony lacks an integral part of the service which is cloud computing.

Excited about the opportunities ahead with @Sony for us to pursue our mutual gaming ambitions and delight players around the world. https://t.co/3vBuQiruiR
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) May 16, 2019

Azure by Microsoft is a cloud computing service that allows first and third-party developers to put out their proprietary services through Microsoft’s data centres around the globe. Sony and its PlayStation Now is severely underequipped in comparison to either Google or Microsoft. Sony has never taken stream service into account as its PS4 Remote Play only supports limited devices that are streamed through the consumer’s PlayStation console. PlayStation Now so far is only confirmed to be able to stream to PC and PlayStation.

Also Read: Google Trained Its AI To Learn Depth Perception From YouTube’s Mannequin Challenge

Cloud game-streaming is not intent on overthrowing the console or PC markets. Many would claim that it would ‘kill’ the hardware breed as cloud-based service does eliminate the need for a console or PC, but most forget it is not a zero-sum game. Sony assured that the PlayStation brand is here to stay and the company will take it forward for the foreseeable future.

Sony with Microsoft Azure’s technology showcase a healthier trend of business rivalry, this benefits both in the long run. Cross-Play in consoles comes to mind when talking about healthy relations, that may arrive soon maybe with the launch of the new generation consoles.

May 25, 2019
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 Leaks In Patent

Microsoft originally launched the Surface lineup of personal computers in the year 2012 which have been highly appreciated by the consumers. A freshly granted patent to Microsoft hints that the company is working on a new design for its latest Surface Pro which is expected to debut later this year.

The design of the touchscreen PC from Microsoft has largely remained the same since the Surface Pro 4 from the year 2015. The latest patent suggests that the upcoming device will have a significantly different design in comparison to the current generation. The alleged Microsoft Surface Pro 7 from the patent has considerably thin bezels around the display. Also, the detachable type cover on the future device will have four magnets which will prevent it from flapping around when in a closed position.

The patent also suggests that Microsoft may be altering the port selection on the Surface Pro 7. Except for the traditional USB A and MiniDisplay port, the upcoming device will introduce a USB C port which is slowly becoming a global standard. Closely inspecting the patent reveals that with the new device, the company has decided to move the 3.5 mm audio jack to the bottom.

Intriguingly, the patents of the Surface Pro state that the company will do away with the conventional Surface Connect Port on this device. Instead, the touchscreen PC will be charged via the aforementioned USB Type C port. However, a past patent hints that Microsoft will retain some sort of magnetic port which will be compatible with USB Type C. The connector in the said patent was originally designed to transfer data at USB 2.0 speeds. Though it is likely that Microsoft has managed to implement USB 3 speeds on the connector.

Also Read: Top 5 Netflix Shows To Stream This Weekend

More details about the upcoming Surface Pro are expected to be revealed in the coming future which will shed more light on the device and its features.

May 24, 2019
Microsoft Working On An Xbox Controller For Visually Impaired Gamers

Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console is a renowned device for gaming enthusiasts. To ensure users with limited mobility can enjoy the games of their choice, the company launched the Adaptive controller for the Xbox One console last year. According to a fresh patent that Microsoft has been granted, it is revealed the company is working on another type of controller which is specifically designed for visually impaired gamers.

Xbox Braille Controller

Microsoft filed for a patent at the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) for a “Haptic Braille Output for a game controller”. The patent was published on the 2nd of May and showcases an Xbox controller with support for braille input that supports haptic feedback. Images in the patent present a special braille accessory which can be mounted on the rear of existing Xbox controllers which make it possible to input braille characters. The said accessory is comprised of six paddles and a display, which can show texts or audio in braille. So, for example, a visually impaired gamer can still participate in a chat session with other gamers. For those unaware, Braille is a tactile reading and writing language developed by Louis Braille, a French educator. The language is widely accepted as the standard for the visually impaired.

Also read: Specifications Of Xiaomi Hercules Smartphone Leaked Online, Could Be The Mi MIX 4

The patented Xbox game controller from Microsoft is also showcased to recognise speech commands and converting them into a text input. Furthermore, the braille controller may also be capable of giving vibration feedback which can be adjusted per game. As previously mentioned, it can be attached to the back of the controller and the functions can be mapped by the convenience of the gamer using the console, smartphone or PC. While the patent for a braille Xbox controller has been granted to Microsoft, when the company actually releases it is anyone’s guess.

For those interested, you can check out Microsoft’s patent here.

May 6, 2019
Microsoft Launches The HoloLens 2 Developers Edition

Microsoft has unveiled the developer edition of its HoloLens 2 Mixed Reality (MR) Headset on the 2nd of May. It is the successor to the HoloLens headset that was launched in the year 2016. To recall, the company first showcased the product at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2019 in Barcelona in the month of February. It is touted to bring about major changes to its predecessor, especially in terms of design, comfort and processing power.

What Is Mixed Reality?

Microsoft HoloLens

The Mixed Reality or MR platform was popularised by Microsoft with the original Hololens which offers a unique amalgamation of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. This signifies that the technology uses the camera attached to the headset which is worn by the user. With the camera used for augmented reality, the Virtual effect rendered inside the headset creates isolation from the real world. Noteworthy, Mixed Reality is anticipated to take off exponentially in a few years.

The real world case of Mixed Reality is expected to be more elaborate than both AR and VR, which are mostly used for gaming as of now. For instance, the technology can be used to train industry workers and medical professionals in a virtual environment. This can help in driving down costs and boosting productivity. However, in its current stage, the technology is deemed significantly expensive which has limited its adaptation.

Microsoft HoloLens 2: What’s New?

As mentioned above, the HoloLens 2 Mixed Reality Headset boasts of major changes over the original HoloLens. The company claims to have fixed major gripes that were reported by the users of the first generation device. According to Microsoft, the customers mainly faced issues with the resolution of the two displays which have now been bumped up to 2K resolution panels resorting the complaints. Another issue that Microsoft has fixed with the HoloLens 2 is related to the Field of View (FoV). The FoV in the first generation was found to be its biggest weakness. Microsoft claims to have fixed it with a wider FoV on the latest device. It is also said to be three times more comfortable than the previous generation and uses a knob at the back for adjusting the grip of the headset.

Also read: Top Gaming Laptops Available In India Under Rs 70,000

The Developer Kit of the HoloLens 2 includes Azure Credits alongside Unity Pro and Unity PiXYZ Plugin. While the former is a cloud service by Microsoft, the latter two are used for developing software for the headset. The company has also revealed the Unreal Engine 3 will be supported for the HoloLens 2 by the end of May. In terms of pricing, the MR headset is available for developers at a price of US $3500 (Rs. 2,42,553). It is expected to be available commercially and to businesses later this year at a slightly more price than the developer edition.

May 3, 2019

More posts